American College of Gastroenterology Scientific Meeting. (PRNewsFoto/American College of Gastroenterology)

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE, Monday, October 14, 2013, 8:00 a.m. EDT

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 11, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 4,000 gastroenterologists, physicians and other health care professionals from around the world will convene this week for the American College of Gastroenterology's (ACG) 78th Annual Scientific Meeting at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, CA, to review and present the latest scientific advances in gastrointestinal research, treatment of digestive diseases and clinical practice management.

ACG press releases and media advisories, which include highlights of important new science being presented at the meeting, are available online here. Please note our embargo policy: News from the scientific meeting is embargoed until Monday, October 14th at 8:00 a.m. ET.

Media Availability: Highlights of ACG's President Plenary Sessions is Monday October 14, 2013 at 10:45 a.m. PDT. For more information, click here. There will also be presenter media availability after The American Journal of Gastroenterology Lecture on Monday October 14, 2013 from 4:00-4:45 p.m. PDT. For more information, click here.

Highlights from this year's ACG Scientific Meeting include:

Physical Activity May Reduce the Risk of Esophageal Cancer

Physical activity is associated with a reduced risk of esophageal cancer, particularly esophageal adenocarcinoma, according to a new meta-analysis of published observational studies presented by Mayo Clinic researcher Siddharth Singh, M.D. Read our press release.

Smartphone App Helps Coach Patients in Colonoscopy Preparation

A smartphone virtual coach application for colonoscopy preparation is shown to be easy to use and engaging, even among people who have previously undergone colonoscopy. Read our press release.

Childhood and infancy factors have been linked to a predisposition to developing Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection, the leading cause of health-care associated diarrhea. Read our press release.

Two IBD Studies: National Survey Finds Inadequate Access to Health Care for IBD Patients and

IBD Does Not Affect Academic Performance of Children

Two separate studies analyze inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) health outcomes in the United States and Canada. Read our press release.

Severe liver damage, and even failure, has been associated with the consumption of weight loss supplements, an herbal supplement and an energy drink, according to four separate case reports. Read our press release.

Biomarker in Bile VEGF Can Correctly Identify Pancreatic Cancer with High Sensitivity

A marker in bile known as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can accurately distinguish pancreatic cancer from other causes of common problems in the bile duct according to new research. Read our press release.

New Evidence Reveals Impact of Fecal Transplantation upon Gut Flora and Digestive Health Among Immune Compromised Patients and Those with Chronic GI Disorders: IBD, IBS

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective in resolving Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in immunocompromised patients with few serious adverse events according to a retrospective series being presented at the annual meeting. Read our press release.

Novel Research Suggests Efficacy of Diagnostic Blood Test for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS); Psychological Factors Like Anxiety, Depression May be Central Drivers of IBS Rather than Inflammation

A promising blood-test for anti-vinculin antibodies could determine whether a patient is suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). A separate study found elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines in the blood of those with IBS. Read our press release.

Rapid Evolution of Medical Research Advancing Hepatitis C Treatment

Three research teams reported on trials of several experimental treatments, including interferon-free drug combinations and direct acting antiviral agents effective against genotypes 2 and 3 of the Hepatitis C virus, as well as new agents which have the potential to shorten the duration of therapy. Read our press release.

About the American College of Gastroenterology Founded in 1932, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) is an organization with an international membership of more than 12,000 individuals from 80 countries. The College's vision is to be the pre-eminent professional organization that champions the evolving needs of clinicians in the delivery of high quality, evidence-based, and compassionate health care to gastroenterology patients. The mission of the College is to advance world-class care for patients with gastrointestinal disorders through excellence, innovation and advocacy in the areas of scientific investigation, education, prevention and treatment. www.gi.org. View releases on research breaking at the ACG meeting and follow ACG on Twitter and share your live updates #acg2013.